Inertial force sensor

ABSTRACT

An inertial force sensor includes a detecting device which detects an inertial force, the detecting device having a first orthogonal arm and a supporting portion, the first orthogonal arm having a first arm and a second arm fixed in a substantially orthogonal direction, and the supporting portion supporting the first arm. The second arm has a folding portion. In this configuration, there is provided a small inertial force sensor which realizes detection of a plurality of different inertial forces and detection of inertial forces of a plurality of detection axes.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/032,748 filed Sep. 20, 2013 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/861,612 filed Apr. 12, 2013 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/195,530 filed Aug. 1, 2011 which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/160,237 filed Jul. 8, 2008 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an inertial force sensor which detects an inertial force used for various electronic devices, such as a posture controller or a navigation device, of a moving body, such as an airplane, an automobile, a robot, a ship, or a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventional inertial force sensor will be described below.

An inertial force sensor which detects an inertial force, such as an angular velocity or acceleration, has been used. In the use of the conventional inertial force sensor, an exclusive angular velocity sensor is used to detect an angular velocity and an exclusive acceleration sensor is used to detect acceleration. When angular velocities and accelerations corresponding to a plurality of detection axes of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other are detected, a plurality of angular velocity sensors and a plurality of acceleration sensors according to the number of the detecting axes are used.

When various types of electronic devices combine and detect an angular velocity and acceleration or detect angular velocities and accelerations relative to a plurality of detection axes, a plurality of angular velocity sensors and a plurality of acceleration sensors are mounted on a mounting substrate of the electronic devices.

The angular velocity sensor oscillates a detecting device in tuning fork shape, H shape, or T shape and then electrically detects distortion of the detecting device with occurrence of a Coriolis force to detect an angular velocity. The acceleration sensor has a weight portion and compares and detects movement of the weight portion with acceleration with that before operation to detect acceleration.

Such conventional inertial force sensors, such as the angular velocity sensor and the acceleration sensor, are used for a posture controller or a navigation device of a moving body, such as a vehicle, according to an inertial force or a detection axis to be detected.

The conventional inertial force sensor is disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-208546 (Patent Document 1) or Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-74767 (Patent Document 2).

[Patent Document 1] Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-208546

[Patent Document 2] Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-74767

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a small inertial force sensor which does not require a large mounting area for mounting a plurality of inertial force sensors and can detect a plurality of different inertial forces, such as an angular velocity and acceleration, or inertial forces of a plurality of detection axes.

An inertial force sensor of the present invention includes a detecting device which detects an inertial force, the detecting device having a first orthogonal structure and a supporting portion, the first orthogonal structure having a support beam and a centrally-supported beam fixed in a substantially orthogonal direction, and the supporting portion supporting the support beam. The centrally-supported beam has a folding portion. With this configuration, there is provided a small inertial force sensor which realizes detection of a plurality of different inertial forces and detection of inertial forces of a plurality of detection axes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation state of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to another embodiment of exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to a further embodiment of exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation state of an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation state of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to another embodiment of exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to a further embodiment of exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation state of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to another embodiment of exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to a further embodiment of exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation state of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a detecting device according to another embodiment of exemplary embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a detecting device according to a further embodiment of exemplary embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an operation state diagram illustrating an operation state of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a detecting device according to another embodiment of exemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a plan view of a detecting device according to a further embodiment of exemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a plan view of a detecting device according to a still another embodiment of exemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   1 Detecting device -   2 Support beam -   3 Connecting beam -   4 Centrally-supported beam -   4 a Folding portion -   4 b End -   5 Centrally-supported beam -   5 b End -   6 First orthogonal structure -   7 Second orthogonal structure -   8 Supporting portion -   8′ Supporting portion -   8 b′ Supporting portion end -   9 Base portion -   10 Fixing arm -   10 b End -   12 First fixing arm portion -   14 Second fixing arm portion -   16 Connecting portion -   17 Support beam -   17 b Centrally-supported beam -   17 a Folding portion -   17 b End -   18 Weight portion -   20 Inertial force sensor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Exemplary Embodiment 1

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is an operation state diagram of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 1A.

In FIG. 1A, inertial force sensor 20 has detecting device 1 which detects an inertial force and a processing circuit (not illustrated). Detecting device 1 has two “T” shaped first orthogonal structures 6 and supporting portion 8. Each of first orthogonal structures 6 has support beam 2 and centrally supported beam 4. Support beam 2 is formed so as to be fixed to centrally-supported beam 4 in a substantially orthogonal direction. Supporting portion 8 supports two support beams 2. Supporting portion 8 serves as base portion 9. When detecting device 1 is mounted on a mounting substrate (not illustrated), detecting device 1 is fixed to the mounting substrate using base portion 9. Centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at folding portions 4 a so that ends 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 are arranged to be confronted with each other. Weight portion 18 is formed at end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4.

In detecting device 1, support beam 2 and supporting portion 8 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. Relative to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other, a longitudinal direction of support beam 2 is arranged in the Y-axis direction and a longitudinal direction of centrally-supported beam 4 is arranged in the X-axis direction.

Detecting device 1 is integrally molded to a silicon substrate as a material. A driving electrode is arranged on a structure, which is driven and oscillated, on the silicon substrate. A detecting electrode is arranged on a structure, whose distortion is detected, on the silicon substrate. In detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1A, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is the structure which is driven and oscillated, and support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4 are the structure whose distortion is detected. The driving electrode (not illustrated) is arranged on end 4 b. The detecting electrodes (not illustrated) are arranged on both of support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4.

The driving electrode and the detecting electrode are formed by laminating a lower electrode, a piezoelectric element, and an upper electrode on the silicon substrate. The lower electrode is formed by high-frequency sputtering of Pt, for example. A PZT piezoelectric element is formed on the lower electrode by high-frequency sputtering, for example. The upper electrode is formed on the piezoelectric element by Au deposition, for example.

When an alternating voltage having a resonance frequency which resonates the silicon configuring detecting device 1 is applied between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, the structure on which the driving electrode is arranged is driven and oscillated. The structure is distorted due to an angular velocity and acceleration. A voltage according to the distortion is outputted from the detecting electrode arranged on the distorted structure. The processing circuit detects the angular velocity and the acceleration based on an output voltage outputted from the detecting electrode.

With the above configuration, as for an angular velocity, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is driven and oscillated in the X-axis direction, for example. A distortion due to an angular velocity about the Z-axis is caused in the Y-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Y-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. At the same time, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the Y-axis is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. Similarly, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. The distortion caused in at least one of the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4 is detected to detect an angular velocity produced in detecting device 1. The driving and oscillation in the X-axis direction of end 4 b are driving and oscillation in which a solid arrow line and a dotted arrow line illustrated in FIG. 1B are repeated alternately, for example.

As for acceleration, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a distortion due to acceleration in the X-axis direction is caused in support beam 2, similarly. That is to say, a force due to a deadweight of centrally-supported beam 4 is added to support beam 2. At the same time, a distortion due to acceleration in the Y-axis direction is caused in centrally-supported beam 4. That is to say, a force due to the deadweight of centrally-supported beam 4 is added to centrally-supported beam 4. The distortion caused in at least one of support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4 is detected to detect acceleration produced in detecting device 1.

Thus, a plurality of different inertial forces added to detecting device 1 is detected. Inertial forces of a plurality of different detection axes added to detecting device 1 are detected. Detecting device 1 which reduces a mounting area and is miniaturized is realized.

In detecting device 1 of the present invention, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is driven and oscillated, and centrally-supported beam 4 has a shape folded at folding portion 4 a. Thus, detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area and is miniaturized is realized. In addition, a distance between driven and oscillated end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 and base portion 9 to which detecting device 1 is fixed becomes substantially longer. Detection sensitivity of the angular velocity and the acceleration in each of the directions is increased. Using miniaturized detecting device 1, a plurality of different angular velocities and accelerations are detected at high sensitivity.

In addition, weight portion 18 is formed at end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Detection sensitivity of the acceleration is improved by an effect of a mass of weight portion 18. At the same time, an amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 4 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. In these effects, a product constant (mass×moving speed) becomes larger by weight portion 18 so that a Coriolis force caused by driving and oscillation is increased.

Detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1A is formed with weight portion 18. However, weight portion 18 is not always necessary. The effect of the mass of weight portion 18 is exerted by provision of weight portion 18 to improve detection sensitivity of the acceleration and the angular velocity. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, detecting device 1 which does not have weight portion 18 can exert an operation and effect of the present invention. That is to say, in detecting device 1, support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4 are fixed in a substantially orthogonal direction so as to form first orthogonal structure 6. Centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at folding portions 4 a so that ends 4 b are arranged to face together and support beam 2 is placed between ends 4 b. With this configuration, a plurality of different angular velocities and accelerations are detected by detecting device 1 having simple configuration.

Moreover, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a in meander shape so that end 4 b may be confront with centrally-supported beam 4. Detecting device 1 is thus configured so that the distance between driven and oscillated end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 and base portion 9 to which detecting device 1 is fixed becomes substantially longer. The above operation and effect can be improved. Accordingly, detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area, is miniaturized, and has high detection sensitivity is realized.

A position of the driving and oscillation added to detecting device 1 is not always limited to end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Other positions of centrally-supported beam 4 or other structures may be driven and oscillated.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

An inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention may be of configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 2, the same configuration as that of the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 1 is indicated by the same reference numerals and the detailed description is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in detecting device 1, connecting portion 15 which connects two support beams 2 is fixed to two fixing arms 10. Base portion 9 is formed at end 10 b of each of fixing arms 10. Base portion 9 is fixed to a mounting substrate (not illustrated) on which detecting device 1 is mounted. Ends 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 are folded at folding portions 4 a so as to be away from fixing arm 10. Although not illustrated, weight portion 18 may be formed at end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4.

In inertial force sensor 20 according to exemplary embodiment 2, as in inertial force sensor 20 according to exemplary embodiment 1, detecting device 1 is integrally molded to a silicon substrate as a material. End 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is the structure which is driven and oscillated. Support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, and fixing arm 10 are the structure whose distortion is detected. Accordingly, a driving electrode (not illustrated) is arranged on end 4 b. Detecting electrodes (not illustrated) are arranged on support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, and fixing arm 10.

Moreover, as in exemplary embodiment 1, as illustrated in FIG. 3, driving and oscillation in which a solid arrow line and a dotted arrow line are repeated alternately are added in an X-axis direction of end 4 b, for example. A distortion due to a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation of end 4 b is detected to detect an angular velocity.

In detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 3, the distortion due to acceleration in a Y-axis direction is caused in fixing arm 10. The distortion caused in fixing arm 10 is detected using the detecting electrode to detect acceleration in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, as in exemplary embodiment 1, detecting device 1 which reduces a mounting area and is miniaturized is realized.

A position of the driving and oscillation added to detecting device 1 is not always limited to end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Other positions of centrally-supported beam 4 or other structures may be driven and oscillated.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 4B is an operation state diagram of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 4A. In the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 3, the same configuration as that of the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 1 or 2 is indicated by the same reference numerals and the detailed description is omitted.

In FIG. 4A, inertial force sensor 20 has detecting device 1 which detects an inertial force and a processing circuit (not illustrated). Detecting device 1 has two “T” shaped first orthogonal structures 6, connecting portion 15, and two fixing arms 10. Each of first orthogonal structures 6 has support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4. Support beam 2 is formed so as to be fixed to centrally-supported beam 4 in a substantially orthogonal direction. Connecting portion 15 connects two support beams 2. Each of fixing arms 10 has one end fixed to connecting portion 15 and end 10 b as the other end formed with base portion 9. Base portion 9 is fixed to a mounting substrate (not illustrated) on which detecting device 1 is mounted. In addition, fixing arm 10 has first fixing arm portion 12 and second fixing arm portion 14. First fixing arm portion 12 is formed so as to be fixed to second fixing arm portion 14 in a substantially orthogonal direction. That is to say, fixing arm 10 configures a “T” shaped second orthogonal structure 7 having first fixing arm portion 12 and second fixing arm portion 14. End 10 b of fixing arm 10 formed with base portion 9 is an end of second fixing arm portion 14 or an end of second orthogonal structure 7. Centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at folding portions 4 a so that ends 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 are confronted with support beam 2. Support beam 2 and end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 are arranged to face together and fixing arm 10 is placed between support beam 2 and ends 4 b, in appearance. Moreover, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at folding portions 4 a so that ends 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 are confronted with ends 4 b of another centrally-supported beam 4.

In detecting device 1, support beam 2 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. First fixing arm portion 12 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. Support beam 2 and first fixing arm portion 12 are arranged in a substantially orthogonal direction. Relative to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other, a longitudinal direction of support beam 2 and a longitudinal direction of second fixing arm portion 14 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, and a longitudinal direction of centrally-supported beam 4 and a longitudinal direction of first fixing arm portion 12 are arranged in the X-axis direction.

As in exemplary embodiment 1, detecting device 1 is integrally molded to a silicon substrate as a material. In detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 4A, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is the structure which is driven and oscillated, and support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, first fixing arm portion 12, and second fixing arm portion 14 are the structure whose distortion is detected. Accordingly, a driving electrode (not illustrated) is arranged on end 4 b, and detecting electrodes (not illustrated) are arranged on support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, first fixing arm portion 12, and second fixing arm portion 14. The detecting electrodes need not be always provided on all of support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, first fixing arm portion 12, and second fixing arm portion 14. The detecting electrode should be provided on the structure whose distortion is detected.

With the above configuration, as for an angular velocity, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, when end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is driven and oscillated in the X-axis direction, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the Z-axis is caused in the Y-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4, for example. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Y-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. At the same time, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the Y-axis is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. Accordingly, the distortion caused in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4 is detected to detect an angular velocity produced in detecting device 1. The driving and oscillation in the X-axis direction of end 4 b is driving and oscillation in which a solid arrow line and a dotted arrow line illustrated in FIG. 4B are repeated alternately, for example.

As for acceleration, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a distortion due to acceleration in the X-axis direction is caused in second fixing arm portion 14, similarly for example. That is to say, forces due to deadweights of support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, and first fixing arm portion 12 are added to second fixing arm portion 14. At the same time, distortion due to acceleration in the Y-axis direction is caused in first fixing arm portion 12. That is to say, forces due to deadweights of support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4 are added to first fixing arm portion 12. Accordingly, the distortion caused in at least one of first fixing arm portion 12 and second fixing arm portion 14 is detected to detect acceleration produced in detecting device 1.

Thus, a plurality of different inertial forces added to detecting device 1 is detected. Inertial forces of a plurality of different detection axes added to detecting device 1 are detected. Detecting device 1 which reduces a mounting area and is miniaturized is realized.

In detecting device 1 of the present invention, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is driven and oscillated, and centrally-supported beam 4 has a shape folded at folding portion 4 a. Thus, detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area and is miniaturized is realized. In addition, a distance between driven and oscillated end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 and base portion 9 to which detecting device 1 is fixed becomes substantially longer. Detection sensitivity of the angular velocity and the acceleration in each of the directions is increased. Using miniaturized detecting device 1, the angular velocity and the acceleration in each of the directions are detected at high sensitivity. Moreover, detecting device 1 of the present invention has a plurality of different first orthogonal structures 6 and second orthogonal structures 7. Detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area and is excellent in detection sensitivity is realized.

In addition, weight portion 18 is formed at end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Detection sensitivity of the acceleration is improved by an effect of a mass of weight portion 18. At the same time, an amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 4 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. An effect of forming weight portion 18 is similar to that of exemplary embodiment 1.

Detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 4A is formed with weight portion 18. Weight portion 18 is not always necessary. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, detecting device 1 which does not have weight portion 18 can exert an operation and effect of the present invention. That is to say, a plurality of different angular velocities and accelerations are detected at high sensitivity.

Moreover, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a in meander shape so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Detecting device 1 is thus configured to improve the above operation and effect. Accordingly, detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area, is miniaturized, and has high detection sensitivity is realized.

A position of the driving and oscillation added to detecting device 1 is not always limited to end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Other positions of centrally-supported beam 4 or other structures may be driven and oscillated.

Exemplary Embodiment 4

FIG. 6A is a plan view of a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 6B is an operation state diagram of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 6A. In the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 4, the same configuration as that of the inertial force sensors according to exemplary embodiments 1 to 3 is indicated by the same reference numerals and the detailed description is omitted.

In FIG. 6A, inertial force sensor 20 has detecting device 1 which detects an inertial force and a processing circuit (not illustrated). Detecting device 1 has two “T” shaped first orthogonal structures 6, connecting portion 15, and two fixing arms 10. Each of first orthogonal structures 6 has support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4. Support beam 2 is formed so as to be fixed to centrally-supported beam 4 in a substantially orthogonal direction. Connecting portion 15 connects two support beams 2. Each of fixing arms 10 has one end fixed to connecting portion 15 and end 10 b as the other end formed with base portion 9. Base portion 9 is fixed to a mounting substrate (not illustrated) on which detecting device 1 is mounted. In addition, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at folding portions 4 a so that ends 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 are confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Weight portion 18 is formed at end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4.

In detecting device 1, support beam 2 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. Fixing arm 10 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. Support beam 2 and fixing arm 10 are arranged in a substantially orthogonal direction. Relative to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other, a longitudinal direction of support beam 2 is arranged in the Y-axis direction and a longitudinal direction of centrally-supported beam 4 is arranged in the X-axis direction.

As in exemplary embodiment 1, detecting device 1 is integrally molded to a silicon substrate as a material. In detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 6A, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is the structure which is driven and oscillated, and support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, and fixing arm 10 are the structure whose distortion is detected. A driving electrode (not illustrated) is arranged at end 4 b. Detecting electrodes (not illustrated) are arranged on support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, and fixing arm 10. The detecting electrodes need not be always provided on all of support beam 2, centrally-supported beam 4, and fixing arm 10. The detecting electrode should be provided on the structure whose distortion is detected.

With the above configuration, as for an angular velocity, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, when end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is driven and oscillated in the Y-axis direction, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the Z-axis is caused in the X-axis direction of support beam 2, for example. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the X-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. At the same time, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the X-axis is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4. Accordingly, the distortion caused in the X-axis direction of support beam 2 and the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 4 is detected to detect an angular velocity produced in detecting device 1. The driving and oscillation in the Y-axis direction of end 4 b are driving and oscillation in which a solid arrow line and a dotted arrow line illustrated in FIG. 6B are repeated alternately, for example.

As for acceleration, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, a distortion due to acceleration in the X-axis direction is caused in support beam 2, for example. That is to say, a force due to a deadweight of centrally-supported beam 4 is added to support beam 2. At the same time, a distortion due to acceleration in the Y-axis direction is caused in fixing arm 10. That is to say, forces due to deadweights of support beam 2 and centrally-supported beam 4 are added to fixing arm 10. Accordingly, the distortion caused in at least one of support beam 2 and fixing arm 10 is detected to detect acceleration produced in detecting device 1.

Thus, a plurality of different inertial forces added to detecting device 1 is detected. Inertial forces of a plurality of different detection axes added to detecting device 1 are detected. Detecting device 1 which reduces a mounting area and is miniaturized is realized.

In detecting device 1, centrally-supported beams 4 are folded at folding portions 4 a so that centrally-supported beams 4 are arranged so as to be confronted with each other. Thus, detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area and is miniaturized is realized. In addition, end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 is driven and oscillated to detect the distortion of each of the structures. That is to say, detecting device 1 is thus configured so that a distance between driven and oscillated end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4 and base portion 9 to which detecting device 1 is fixed becomes substantially longer. An amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 4 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. Using miniaturized detecting device 1, a plurality of different angular velocities and accelerations are detected at high sensitivity.

In addition, weight portion 18 b is formed at end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Detection sensitivity of the acceleration is improved by an effect of a mass of weight portion 18. At the same time, an amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 4 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. An effect of forming weight portion 18 is similar to that of exemplary embodiment 1.

Detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 6A is formed with weight portion 18. Weight portion 18 is not always necessary. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, detecting device 1 which does not have weight portion 18 can exert an operation and effect of the present invention. That is to say, a plurality of different angular velocities and accelerations are detected at high sensitivity.

Moreover, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a in meander shape so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Detecting device 1 is thus configured to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. Detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area, is miniaturized, and has high detection sensitivity is realized.

A position of the driving and oscillation added to detecting device 1 is not always limited to end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Other positions of centrally-supported beam 4 or other structures may be driven and oscillated.

Exemplary Embodiment 5

FIG. 8A is a plan view of a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 8B is an operation state diagram of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 8A. In the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 5, the same configuration as that of the inertial force sensors according to exemplary embodiments 1 to 4 is indicated by the same reference numerals and the detailed description is omitted.

In FIG. 8A, inertial force sensor 20 has detecting device 1 which detects an inertial force and a processing circuit (not illustrated). Detecting device 1 has two “T” shaped first orthogonal structures 6, connecting portion 15, and two supporting portions 8′. Each of first orthogonal structures 6 has support beam 16 and centrally-supported beam 17, and each centrally-supported beam 17 includes a pair of beam portions extending from the support beam 16. Support beam 16 is formed so as to be fixed to centrally-supported beam 17 in a substantially orthogonal direction. Connecting portion 15 connects two support beams 16. Each of supporting portions 8′ has its middle fixed to support beam 16 and end 8 b′ formed with base portion 9. Base portion 9 is fixed to a mounting substrate (not illustrated) on which detecting device 1 is mounted. Supporting portion 8′ is formed so as to be fixed to support beam 16 of first orthogonal structure 6 in a substantially orthogonal direction. Centrally-supported beam 17 is folded at folding portions 17 a so that ends 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17 are confronted with support beam 16. Centrally-supported beam 17 is folded at folding portions 17 a so that ends 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17 are confronted with supporting portion 8′.

In detecting device 1, support beam 16 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. Relative to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other, a longitudinal direction of support beam 16 is arranged in the Y-axis direction, and a longitudinal direction of centrally-supported beam 17 and a longitudinal direction of supporting portion 8′ are arranged in the X-axis direction.

As in exemplary embodiment 1, detecting device 1 is integrally molded to a silicon substrate as a material. In detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 8A, end 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17 is the structure which is driven and oscillated, and support beam 16, centrally-supported beam 17, and supporting portion 8′ are the structure whose distortion is detected. A driving electrode (not illustrated) is arranged on end 17 b. Detecting electrodes (not illustrated) are arranged on centrally-supported beam 17, support beam 16, and supporting portion 8′. The detecting electrodes need not be always provided on all of centrally-supported beam 17, support beam 16, and supporting portion 8′. The detecting electrode should be provided on the structure whose distortion is detected.

With the above configuration, as for an angular velocity, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, when end 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17 is driven and oscillated in the Y-axis direction, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the Z-axis is caused in the X-axis direction of support beam 16, for example. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the X-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 17. At the same time, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the X-axis is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 17, support beam portion 16, and supporting portion 8′. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 17, support beam 16, and supporting portion 8′. Accordingly, the distortion caused in the Y-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 17 and the Z-axis direction of at least one of centrally-supported beam 17, support beam portion 16, and supporting portion 8′ is detected to detect an angular velocity produced in detecting device 1. The driving and oscillation in the Y-axis direction of end 17 b are driving and oscillation in which a solid arrow line and a dotted arrow line illustrated in FIG. 8B are repeated alternately, for example.

As for acceleration, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, a distortion due to acceleration in the X-axis direction is caused in support beam 16, for example. That is to say, a force due to a deadweight of centrally-supported beam 17 is added to support beam 16. At the same time, a distortion due to acceleration in the Y-axis direction is caused in supporting portion 8′. That is to say, forces due to deadweights of centrally-supported beam 17 and support beam 16 are added to supporting portion 8′. Accordingly, the distortion caused in at least one of support beam 16 and supporting portion 8′ is detected to detect acceleration produced in detecting device 1.

Thus, a plurality of different inertial forces added to detecting device 1 is detected. Inertial forces of a plurality of different detection axes added to detecting device 1 are detected. Detecting device 1 which reduces a mounting area and is miniaturized is realized.

In detecting device 1, centrally-supported beams 17 are folded at folding portions 17 a so that centrally-supported beams 17 are arranged so as to be confronted with each other. Thus, detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area and is miniaturized is realized. In addition, end 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17 is driven and oscillated to detect the distortion of each of the structures. That is to say, detecting device 1 is thus configured so that a distance between driven and oscillated end 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17 and base portion 9 to which detecting device 1 is fixed becomes substantially longer. An amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 17 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of an angular velocity. Using miniaturized detecting device 1, a plurality of different angular velocities and accelerations are detected at high sensitivity.

Moreover, centrally-supported beam 17 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 17 a so that end 17 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 17. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 9, centrally-supported beam 17 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 17 a in meander shape so that end 17 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 17. Detecting device 1 is thus configured to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. Detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area, is miniaturized, and has high detection sensitivity is realized.

In addition, weight portion 18 (FIG. 10) is formed at end 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17. Detection sensitivity of acceleration is improved. An amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 17 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when centrally-supported beam 17 is folded at folding portions 17 a so that ends 17 b are confronted with centrally-supported beam 17 and weight portion 18 is formed at end 17 b, detection sensitivity of both the angular velocity and acceleration is improved.

A position of the driving and oscillation added to detecting device 1 is not always limited to end 17 b of centrally-supported beam 17. Other positions of centrally-supported beam 17 or other structures may be driven and oscillated.

Exemplary Embodiment 6

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a detecting device used for an inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an operation state diagram of the detecting device illustrated in FIG. 11. In the inertial force sensor according to exemplary embodiment 6, the same configuration as that of the inertial force sensors according to exemplary embodiments 1 to 5 is indicated by the same reference numerals and the detailed description is omitted.

In FIG. 11, inertial force sensor 20 has detecting device 1 which detects an inertial force and a processing circuit (not illustrated). Detecting device 1 has two first orthogonal structures 6, connecting portion 15, and two fixing arms 10. Each of first orthogonal structures 6 has connecting beam 3 and centrally-supported beam 5. Connecting beam 3 is formed so as to be fixed to centrally-supported beam 5 in a substantially orthogonal direction. Connecting portion 15 connects two connecting beams 3. Each of fixing arms 10 has one end fixed to connecting portion 15 and end 10 b as the other end formed with base portion 9. Base portion 9 is fixed to a mounting substrate (not illustrated) on which detecting device 1 is mounted. At least a part of fixing arm 10 serves as connecting beam 3.

In detecting device 1, fixing arm 10 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. In other words, connecting beam 3 and connecting portion 15 are arranged on a substantially identical straight line. Relative to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other, a longitudinal direction of connecting beam 3 and a longitudinal direction of fixing arm 10 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, and a longitudinal direction of centrally-supported beam 5 is arranged in the X-axis direction.

As in exemplary embodiment 1, detecting device 1 is integrally molded to a silicon substrate as a material. In detecting device 1 illustrated in FIG. 11, end 5 b of centrally-supported beam 5 is the structure which is driven and oscillated, and centrally-supported beam 5 and fixing arm 10 are the structure whose distortion is detected. A driving electrode (not illustrated) is arranged on end 5 b. Detecting electrodes (not illustrated) are arranged on centrally-supported beam 5 and fixing arm 10. The detecting electrodes need not be always provided on all of connecting beam 3, centrally-supported beam 5, and fixing arm 10. The detecting electrode should be provided on the structure whose distortion is detected.

With the above configuration, as for an angular velocity, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when end 5 b of centrally-supported beam 5 is driven and oscillated in the Y-axis direction, a distortion due to an angular velocity about the Z-axis is caused in the X-axis direction of fixing arm 10, for example. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the X-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 5. At the same time, a distortion caused in an angular velocity about the X-axis is caused in the Z-axis direction of fixing arm 10 and centrally-supported beam 5. That is to say, a Coriolis force corresponding to the driving and oscillation is caused in the Z-axis direction of centrally-supported beam 5 and fixing arm 10. Accordingly, the distortion caused in the X-axis direction of fixing arm 10 and the Z-axis direction of at least one of centrally-supported beam 5 and fixing arm 10 is detected to detect an angular velocity produced in detecting device 1. The driving and oscillation in the Y-axis direction of end 5 b are driving and oscillation in which a solid arrow line and a dotted arrow line illustrated in FIG. 12 are repeated alternately, for example.

As for acceleration, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a distortion due to acceleration in the X-axis direction is caused in fixing arm 10, for example. That is to say, a force due to a deadweight of centrally-supported beam 5 is added to fixing arm 10. At the same time, a distortion due to acceleration in the Y-axis direction is caused in centrally-supported beam 5. A force due to a deadweight of centrally-supported beam 5 is added to centrally-supported beam 5. Accordingly, the distortion caused in at least one of fixing arm 10 and centrally-supported beam 5 is detected to detect acceleration produced in detecting device 1.

Thus, a plurality of different inertial forces added to detecting device 1 is detected. Inertial forces of a plurality of different detection axes added to detecting device 1 are detected. Detecting device 1 which reduces a mounting area and is miniaturized is realized.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 13, weight portion 18 is formed at end 5 b of centrally-supported beam 5. Detection sensitivity of acceleration is improved. An amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 5 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, centrally-supported beam 4 is folded at a plurality of folding portions 4 a in meander shape so that end 4 b may be confronted with centrally-supported beam 4. Detecting device 1 is thus configured so that an amplitude of the driving and oscillation of end 4 b becomes larger to improve detection sensitivity of the angular velocity. Detecting device 1 which has a small mounting area, is miniaturized, and has high detection sensitivity is realized.

A position of the driving and oscillation added to detecting device 1 is not always limited to end 4 b of centrally-supported beam 4. Other positions of centrally-supported beam 4 or other structures may be driven and oscillated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The inertial force sensor according to the present invention can detect a plurality of inertial forces and inertial forces of a plurality of detection axes and is applicable to various electronic devices. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An inertial force sensor comprising: a detecting device which detects an inertial force wherein the detecting device includes: a supporting portion, a first support beam and a second support beam which are each connected to the supporting portion and extend along a first axis, a first beam portion, a second beam portion, a third beam portion and a fourth beam portion which are each connected to the supporting portion, the first beam portion and the second beam portion each connected to the first support beam, the third beam portion and the fourth beam portion each connected to the second support beam, the first beam portion and the second beam portion being symmetrical about the first axis, the third beam portion and the fourth beam portion being symmetrical about the first axis, the first beam portion and the third beam portion being symmetrical about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the second beam portion and the fourth beam portion being symmetrical about the second axis, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth beam portions has a bend such that the beam portions extend in a direction away from the supporting portion, and wherein the first beam portion, the second beam portion, the third beam portion and the fourth beam portion are each inclined at an acute angle relative to the first axis.
 2. The inertial force sensor according to claim 1, wherein an end of each of the first beam portion, second beam portion, third beam portion and fourth beam portion is capable of being driven, and an angular velocity is detected by detecting Coriolis force corresponding to the driving.
 3. The inertial force sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: a first fixing beam and a second fixing beam each connected to the supporting portion.
 4. The inertial force sensor according to claim 3, wherein the first fixing beam and the second fixing beam extend along the second axis.
 5. The inertial force sensor according to claim 4, wherein the first fixing beam and the second fixing beam each connect to a base portion.
 6. The inertial force sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device is made of silicon. 